CD Changer: Capsule reviews of the latest music

March 26, 2006

CD CHANGER CAPSULE REVIEWS OF THE LATEST MUSIC Prince "3121" (Universal) The artist formerly known as out of his mind appears to have stabilized. When Prince "liberated" himself from the major-label music business a decade ago, his musical course became so bewilderingly indulgent that even the occasional bright spot wasn't much cause for celebration because he'd likely be back soon with something unlistenable. But here's a sign o' changing times: He's followed 2004's return-to-form album, "Musicology," with another R & B-rock hybrid that recalls the days when he tossed off these gems with effortless brilliance. Like its predecessor, "3121" looks backward for its inspiration rather than blazing new trails, but its quirkiness, playful tone and rhythmic irresistibility remind you why Prince ruled the world for a while. Well, some things are new. In "Lolita," this onetime libertine actually rejects a young seductress' moves, discussing the matter in a funny call-and- response with the "fellas" in the band (also funny because Prince plays most all the instruments himself). But there's plenty of lust too, concentrated most effectively in the spring-tight funk of "Black Sweat." Also spirituality (James Brown-style in "Get on the Boat"). And meaty, "Dirty Mind"-style synth hooks, florid ballads, soaring melodies, even something that sounds like a Tom Petty rocker ("Fury"). Uneven? No question. Entertaining? Is the rain purple? -- Richard Cromelin, Los Angeles Times Loose Fur "Born Again in the USA" (Drag City) Wilco's heavy workload might leave them craving downtime, but the band's busy touring schedule and the various side and solo projects seem to fortify their creative constitution -- Wilco's principals consistently make interesting sounds within and without the group. The second offering from side project Loose Fur finds singer-guitarist Jeff Tweedy, drummer Glenn Kotche and Wilco's producer of late, Jim O'Rourke, kicking out jams and rolling off mellow folk-rock with palpable ease and joy. "Hey Chicken" and the head-spinning "Apostolic" seem born from inspired improvisations; picture Kotche tripping up Tweedy with an extra beat per measure and Tweedy countering with an excessively 1970s riff. O'Rourke's ear for the abstract helps the trio find the missing link between the James Gang and Rush. Elsewhere, O'Rourke channels Gordon Lightfoot on "Answer to Your Questions," and Tweedy whistles while he works on "The Ruling Class," which would have fit quite nicely on disc two of "Being There." -- Patrick Berkery, The Philadelphia Inquirer Ben Harper "Both Sides of the Gun" (Virgin) Although Harper's latest batch of songs could easily have fit on a single disc, the rootsy singer-songwriter went for the double-album concept, placing the quieter ballads on one disc and the harder-edged material on another. Although a few of the quiet tracks have their charms, such as the sweet and tender "Morning Yearning" and "Happy Everafter in Your Eyes," too many are drowsy and unbaked, with syrupy strings poured on too liberally. Far better are the nine songs on the grittier, louder disc, featuring Harper's blend of rock, soul and funk and signature guitar slide-work. Many of the tunes sound like musical homages, with the Indian instrumentation of "Better Way" a tip of the hat to Ravi Shankar and George Harrison, the title track a nod to Prince, and "Please Don't Talk About Murder While I'm Eating" having the rough-and-ready feel of mid-'60s Dylan. The emotional high point is certainly "Black Rain," where Harper, channeling the feel of Stevie Wonder's "You Haven't Done Nothin'," spits venom about a number of injustices and tragedies, from Hurricane Katrina to the war in Iraq. -- Martin Bandyke, Detroit Free Press